PALO ALTO, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–HealthTap, the world’s first Global Health Practice providing 24/7 immediate access to doctors via video, text or voice, announced today that it is extending its free assistance to the victims of Hurricane Matthew from the United States to Haiti and other countries impacted by the storm. Natural disasters, including severe hurricanes like Matthew, often prevent people from accessing care, and healthcare resources are often overstretched or otherwise unavailable during such events. Since the storm started, physicians in more than 100 specialties among the 100,000 U.S.-licensed doctors on HealthTap have rallied to provide free health services and information to those without easy access to care.

In response to Hurricane Matthew, HealthTap mobilized thousands of doctors to be available for immediate, free virtual consults with victims, to answer health questions from those in need, and to create special storm-specific checklists and tips.

Anyone can now quickly find vital disaster-related health information, like how to avoid water-borne illnesses after a storm, or how to reduce exposure to airborne viruses in group shelters. Additionally, through October 15th, anyone affected by the storm across the Caribbean and U.S. can sign up to consult with a doctor on HealthTap at no cost as part of a free 7-day subscription to HealthTap Prime.

“Thanks to the inspiring and immediate response of the thousands of top doctors on HealthTap, a whole new set of relevant health tips and checklists are now available to help people learn what to do when facing health issues related to flooding, severe storms, and the aftermath they leave,” said Dr. Peter Schmidt, General Manager of the HealthTap Medical Expert Network. “Doctors on HealthTap in over 100 specialties have once again shared their valuable knowledge to help millions in need everywhere. The devastating impacts of a disaster like Hurricane Matthew continue long after the storm passes, and we are humbled by our generous network of leading doctors who guide and consult people impacted by the storm.”

“Yesterday U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon made a massive appeal for aid activities in the aftermath of Hurricane Matthew and we’re here to help,” said Ron Gutman, HealthTap Founder and CEO. “Our hearts and minds are with all of the people and their families affected by this disaster, and we will continue to expand our assistance. It is a privilege to be able to offer health information and care in times of great need, and the value of creating technologies that enable us to provide anytime, anywhere help is never more apparent than in moments like this. I’m honored to be surrounded by an incredible extended team of engineers, doctors, designers, operations, and support specialists who have worked throughout the weekend and around the clock to provide relief to those who need it most.”

Those affected by the hurricane can visit htap.it/2e2GcfV (or www.healthtap.com/payment?promo_code=hurricanematthew) for a free week of access to HealthTap Prime, with 24/7 access to primary doctors on call by video/voice/text chat and unlimited access to HealthTap’s library and health engagement tools. Users from Haiti, the Caribbean Islands, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina who sign up using this link by October 15, 2016 will receive a free subscription that will automatically terminate after one week.

About HealthTap

HealthTap, a World Economic Forum Technology Pioneer, is the world’s first Global Health Practice. HealthTap delivers immediate, world-class healthcare 24/7 from Query-to-Cure™. Through video, voice, and text chat on any mobile device or personal computer, HealthTap connects hundreds of millions of people across 174 countries with the most trusted health advice from a network of more than 103,000 top U.S. doctors. HealthTap’s proprietary, robust, and secure Health Operating System (HOPES™) and proprietary triaging technology enable healthcare systems, payers, employers, and technology companies worldwide to provide the right care at the right time at the right price. Sign up today and download HealthTap’s free apps for iPhone, iPad, or Android at healthtap.com.